They might not be cooking the same meat as Hammerfall or Blind Guardian, but for a band interred, "No Defiance of Fate" is certainly a commendable addition to one's metal collection. Having survived their frightfully awful debut "The Wildfire" in 1998, Swedish warrior metallers Wyvern managed to hang about long enough to entice the oral charms of the formidable Toni Kocmut; who is not only blessed with a startling vocal ability, he also bares the most hilarious name in metal! Genitalia aside, this is undoubtedly a hidden treasure among the prosaic pot of metal gold. Elements of Morifade and early Nocturnal Rites are mixed like doubles, and served in a Gamma Ray pitcher â?? just for your drinking or listening pleasure. However you like to take it.

Quite a stocky affair, "No Defiance of Fate" sees Wyvern taking the guitar-led approach, with little keyboard ambiance or mood enhancement. This is not necessary a bad thing; in Wyvern's case, it works on a humbling level, with their more traditional attributes standing out a mile. At times, this can be a very melodic listening experience. The folk-tinged "Morningstar" and the celeritous "Like Dogs Climbing up the Moon" â?? which in itself is quite an apt title; detailing the song's rise from minstrel-like balladry to double bass lunacy â?? are catchier than Bird Flu. Once the foghorn moans its melancholic death-knell that introduces "Horizon of Glory", you are sucked into the atmosphere so deep, you'd be a fool not to draw your rapier and prepare for confrontation.

Medieval guitar harmonies aplenty, various shifts in moods and tempos, and lyrics redolent of character, "No Defiance of Fate" is a highly enjoyable album that fans of the genre shouldn't be without. As Mr. Kocmut so proudly declares, "onward to honour brothers."